Salt Spring Fire Rescue (SSFR) personnel prevented a home at 185 Arnell Way from being destroyed by fire on Monday, July 22, after responding to a report of hydro lines down at the property at 11:20 p.m.
According to a report from acting SSFR Capt. Patrick Byrne, “Upon arrival, crews were directed by the homeowner to a large maple tree that taken out the residential service drop and had caused damage to the mast. Crews investigated further and found evidence of a fire in the eaves. The fire had spread along the rafters and was hidden from view except for a small glow around the service mast and light wispy smoke coming from the eaves.”
Byrne said firefighters laddered the building, removed the soffits and opened the gable end to expose and extinguish the fire.
Eighteen firefighters responded to the call, with eight firefighters and three apparatus on the fire scene, and 250 gallons of water used to extinguish the fire.
“Damage was minimized as much as possible through salvage efforts,” said Byrne.
No injuries were reported.
“We are thankful that we were able to prevent a fully involved, destructive structure fire. Thank you to our fire crews and BC Hydro for their hard work and their efforts in keeping everyone safe.”
The fire is being investigated at this time and no cause has been confirmed yet.